A potential new installment in the Jason Bourne franchise hinges on a key condition set by star Matt Damon. According to director Edward Berger, who is in negotiations to helm the project, Damon will only return if the script offers something unique for his character. This development follows NBCUniversal’s acquisition of the rights to the Jason Bourne and Treadstone book series, creating possibilities for future films.
Director’s Vision and Requirements
In November 2023, Berger, known for his work on All Quiet on the Western Front, began discussions to direct a new Bourne film. At the time, no script was available, and Berger indicated that Damon’s return would depend on the screenplay’s quality. As of now, the new Bourne movie is in development, and Berger has expressed a strong desire to lead the project.
“That’s all in the stars,” Berger told Empire Magazine regarding Damon’s participation. “I’d love to do it, but it depends on the script—whether we can find something for Matt Damon to play that he hasn’t before, and something that I don’t feel Paul Greengrass or the other directors have done.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining the legacy of the Bourne character, stating, “You don’t want to make a film where people say, ‘Ah, it’s not as good as the others.’ There are many hurdles.”
The Legacy of Bourne
Matt Damon first portrayed Jason Bourne in the 2002 film The Bourne Identity, which is based on the novel by Robert Ludlum. The story follows Bourne, a man suffering from amnesia who discovers he was once a CIA-trained assassin. His journey to uncover his past leads him to go rogue against those who attempted to kill him.
The success of The Bourne Identity led to three direct sequels: The Bourne Supremacy in 2004, The Bourne Ultimatum in 2007, and Jason Bourne in 2016. In 2012, Jeremy Renner starred in The Bourne Legacy, which introduced a new protagonist, black ops agent Aaron Cross.
With the resurgence of interest in the franchise, Berger’s vision will be crucial in determining whether Matt Damon will once again don the role that solidified his status as an action star. The anticipation surrounding the film reflects both the enduring popularity of the Bourne character and the challenges associated with creating a worthy continuation of his story.
